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Head-to-head · Best Dutch Ovens

Le Creuset Dutch Oven vs Le Creuset Traditional Round Dutch Oven

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Le Creuset Dutch Oven comes out ahead by a narrow margin (5.0 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about aesthetically-minded cooks seeking quality — read the strengths below before deciding.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Dutch Ovens
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
3 sourcesall derived$325as of Jul 31

Le Creuset Dutch ovens are lighter than the competition: the 6.75qt model weighs 12 lbs against 16 lbs for a comparable Staub. Reviewers point to the beautiful gradient enamel finish and the tan interior, which makes it easy to watch food as it cooks. There are over 10 color options and matching accessories to go with them. The lid doesn't self-baste, which costs a little moisture retention, but stews, roasts, and braised dishes come out well regardless. Home cooks who want quality and aesthetics should buy; anyone on a tight budget shouldn't.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight enameled cast iron construction, weighing only 12 lbs for the 6.75qt size
  • — Over 10 color options including designer colors that match kitchen aesthetics
  • — Beautiful gradient enamel finish that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to see food cooking
Watch-outs
  • — Lid is not self-basting like some competitors
  • — Requires hand-washing for best care despite being dishwasher-safe
  • — Higher price point compared to non-enameled cast iron options
$325 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Le Creuset Traditional Round Dutch Oven
Ranked #2 in Best Dutch Ovens
Le Creuset Traditional Round Dutch Oven
3 sourcesall derived$298.93as of Jul 31

Serious Eats and Food & Wine both treat the 7.25-quart round as a buy-once pot, citing enamel that shrugs off scorch marks and years of use without chipping. Good Housekeeping points to even heating and heat retention as the reason it browns and braises well. It weighs 12 pounds 13 ounces with the lid, costs around $298.93, and the stock knob caps oven use at 480 degrees.

Strengths
  • — Handmade with chip-resistant enameled cast iron that lasts decades
  • — Versatile for sauteing, searing, braising, and oven use
  • — Even heat distribution and heavy bottom prevent burning
Watch-outs
  • — The stock phenolic knob is only oven-safe to 480 degrees, short of most bread recipes
  • — 12 pounds 13 ounces with the lid is heavy to lift and awkward in a small sink
  • — The manufacturer recommends hand washing, so the enamel is best kept out of the dishwasher
$298.93 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Le Creuset's Dutch Oven is lighter than Staub's model and offers more color options, but unlike the Mueller DuraCast, it doesn't feature a self-basting lid. While it's dishwasher-safe and aesthetically pleasing, it's more expensive than the Lodge EC6D33 and lacks the heavy-duty construction of the Overmont Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven.

Le Creuset Traditional Round Dutch Oven

Staub's cocotte has a self-basting lid and a dark interior that hides staining; the cream enamel here makes it easier to judge browning and to see what is being deglazed. A Lodge enameled Dutch oven does most of the same work for a fraction of the money and will not survive the same abuse.

Specs side-by-side

SpecLe Creuset Dutch OvenLe Creuset Traditional Round Dutch Oven
Capacity1 qt. - 15.5 qt.7.25 quarts
Materialenameled cast ironEnameled cast iron
Weight12 lbs (6.75qt)12 pounds, 13 ounces with lid
Oven Safeup to 500 degrees500 degrees Fahrenheit
Lidmade of the same enameled cast ironknobbed lid
FinishTan enamelenameled cast iron
Dimensions—5 x 11 in
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